Parish expands PREP program to family ministry

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Mark Griswold (left rear), the new director of family ministry at St. Norbert Parish in Paoli, poses with his family.

Posted July 6, 2015

St. Norbert Parish in Paoli has reorganized its Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) and created a new, expanded Catholic Faith Formation and Education (CaFFE) program.

Mark Griswold, formerly director of youth ministry for the parish, will be the new director of family ministry, the parish announced June 24.

Norbertine Father Michael Lee, pastor of St. Norbert’s, said that in light of the parish’s plan to deepen its encounter with Christ, “we are consciously going to focus on the gifts of our families to parish life. This focus starts with our church family and includes all families regardless of one’s family situation.”

He said the decision also coincides with AbbeyFest, the second annual youth festival that the parish is sponsoring at Daylesford Abbey on Sept. 19, and the World Meeting of Families and Pope Francis’ visit in Philadelphia Sept. 22-27.

The mission of the new St. Norbert Family Life Ministry is to encourage and support families — parents, mothers, fathers and children — in an encounter with Jesus, not only on Sunday in the liturgy but in their daily lives.

“We are so fortunate to have Mark lead these new ministries, building on his energy, enthusiasm, excitement and love for Jesus, our Catholic faith, this parish, and our families,” said Father Lee. “He has been our director of youth ministry for the past 13 years and we will be in transition with a search for a new youth minister, but we are extremely excited for this developing, expanding and vital ministry of family life and formation for our families.”

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